New Best Cars: February 2011

Ferrari Scuderia Spider 16M (2009)

Ferrari Scuderia Spider 16M (2009)

Other exclusive features include a roll-bar with carbon-fibre outer shell and a specific new generation audio system that can be combined with the removable customised Ferrari iPod Touch 16 GB with central dock just in front of the dashboard. The exclusivity of the interior is underscored by the silver "limited series" plaque just above the air vents at the centre of the dashboard. The new car also sports a special plaque on its rear grille commemorating Ferrari's 16th Constructor's World title.

The Ferrari Scuderia Spider 16M is available in a choice of two new signature colour schemes: the standard version is black with grey trim, while a tricolour livery is also available as part of the Carrozzeria Scaglietti Personalisation Programme. This truly evocative special series model, of which just 499 unique examples will be produced, is aimed at the most passionate clients, drivers who demand both exclusivity and superb driving pleasure. In fact, the Ferrari Scuderia Spider 16M is faster round the Fiorano circuit than any other Prancing Horse open-top road car yet built. This new high performance sports car features the very best of Ferrari's latest mid-rear-engined 8-cylinder technology. Ferrari has chosen to unveil the new Ferrari Scuderia Spider 16M at the World Finals in Mugello in celebration of its recent victory in the Formula 1 Constructor's World Championship 2008.

Ferrari Scuderia Spider 16M (2009)

Ferrari Scuderia Spider 16M (2009)

Ferrari 599XX (2010)

Ferrari 599XX (2010)

A new gearbox shift strategy cuts overall gearchange times to 60 ms. This was achieved both by optimising forms - as in the new crankshaft - and adopting exclusive materials, as in the carbon-fibre used for the intake plenums. Particular attention was also paid to cutting the weight of the engine unit components. These modifications, combined with the fact that internal attrition has been reduced and the maximum revs have been boosted to 9,000 rpm, helped achieve the target power output of 700 hp at 9,000 rpm.

Ferrari's engineers have carried out extensive work on the engine's combustion chambers and inlet and exhaust tracts. Ferrari 599XX, while based on the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano with the same transaxle layout and engine type, is an extreme track car.

Ferrari 599XX (2010)

Ferrari 599XX (2010)

Ferrari 599 GTB HY-KERS Concept (2010)

Ferrari 599 GTB HY-KERS Concept (2010)

City driving is traditionally where sports cars are most penalised as their engines are designed for maximum efficiency and performance at high revs, whereas the urban cycle involves low revs and low engine loads. One of the principle objectives of the project is ensuring that Ferrari will be in a position to comply with future CO2 emissions standards, particularly in terms of the urban cycle. Thanks to ongoing research combined with experience gained in Formula 1, the new technology developed at Maranello actually accentuates the cars' sporty character and driving involvement.

The HY-KERS is based on the 599 GTB Fiorano but importantly, the technology may one day be fitted to all future Ferraris, 8- and 12-cylinders alike, regardless of their engine position. Ferrari at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show gives the public its first glimpse of the HY-KERS vettura laboratorio which can reduce CO2 emissions by 35 per cent on the combined cycle (ECE + EUDC).

Ferrari 599 GTB HY-KERS Concept (2010)

Ferrari P540 Superfast Aperta (2010)

Ferrari P540 Superfast Aperta (2010)

"I had always dreamed of designing sports cars," Walson explains, "and when I saw this film the decision came of its own accord: one day I would have 'my' Ferrari." The Ferrari P540 Superfast Aperta's proud new owner, Edward Walson, son of John Walson, the inventor of cable TV, approached Ferrari in 2008 to produce a modern reinterpretation of the gold-coloured car in the film. The car, the second in a new Special Projects programme created by Ferrari to meet requests from the most discerning clients and collectors to create truly unique models, is based on the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano and was inspired by a Carrozzeria Fantuzzi-designed Ferrari built specifically for the 1968 Fellini film, Toby Dammit, itself inspired by one of the tales of Edgar Allan Poe. The first shake-down has been held at Fiorano of a very special one-off, the Ferrari P540 Superfast Aperta, built for an American client.

Ferrari P540 Superfast Aperta (2010)

Ferrari P540 Superfast Aperta (2010)

Ferrari 599 GTO (2011)

Ferrari 599 GTO (2011)

Just as significant are the technical specifications - 670 hp in a 1495kg car represents a weight-to-power ratio of just 2.23 kg/hp, and ensures a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of just 3.35" as well as a top speed of over 335 km/h. The Fiorano lap time provides just one indication of the potential of this car. The Ferrari 599 GTO benefits directly from the technological transfer from racing and set a record lap time at Fiorano in 1'24".

The Ferrari 599 GTO is reserved for just 599 clients who seek the maximum expression of high-performance driving. In fact the Ferrari 599 GTO is based on the 599XX, the advanced experimental track car, and can be considered almost a road-going version. It is an exclusive limited edition special which, in true Ferrari tradition, is a completely new concept, albeit inspired by a production car. The Ferrari 599 GTO is, in fact, the company's fastest ever road car. The new Ferrari 599 GTO is an extreme V12 berlinetta developed to a specific performance-oriented brief.

Ferrari 599 GTO (2011)

Ferrari 599 GTO (2011)

Mercedes-Benz CLS by Carlsson

German tuner Carlsson has introduced its own edition of the Mercedes-Benz CLS ahead of its Geneva debut tomorrow.

Carlsson's chief designer Rolf Schlepp has created a new aerodynamic kit that accentuates the CLS's coupe styling. That includes a front spoiler, an RS front spoiler lip (also available in carbon), stainless-steel grille inserts, rear spoiler and a rear apron with integrated diffuser.

For the performance tuning, Carlsson offers power boosting kits for several CLS engine variants, including a boost on the twin-turbo V8 of the CLS 63 AMG that dials output from the series' 557 PS ( 410 kW / 550 bhp) up to 600 PS (441 kW / 592 bhp).

On the diesel-powered CLS 350 CDI, the Carlsson C-Tronic control unit boosts the power rating by 20 percent to a total of 320 PS (235 kW / 316 bhp) and 780 Nm of torque (575 lb-ft) from the series' 265 PS (195 kW / 261 bhp) 650 Nm (479 lb-ft). The 0 to 100 km/h sprint time is improved by 0.3 seconds over the standard 350 CDI to 5.9 seconds.

For the exhaust, there's a stainless steel rear silencer and double-oval tailpipes, with Carlsson offering stainless-steel tailpipes as an extra option.

Alloy wheels in 1/10 design (five simple and five double spokes) can be had in sizes up to 20 inches.

The C-Tronic SUSPENSION kit is adaptable to the AIRMATIC suspension from Mercedes and can lower the car 30 mm.

Things remain as elaborate, and then some, on the inside. Carlsson uses top-notch materials for the cabin finish in leather and Alcantara with carbon and wood trims (wood inlays with a piano black varnish). The seats and door panels are upholstered in Carlsson Nappa leather with contrasting stitching. There's also an Alcantara sports steering wheel, brushed aluminum pedals and foot rests, and floor and boot mats with the Carlsson logo. Carlsson even informs us that drinking-quality water is used in the tanning of the leather. That's how refined this tuning package is.

HAMANN HAWK based on Mercedes SLS AMG

Based on the Mercedes SLS AMG the Hamann Hawk will be making its public debut at the Geneva Motor Show.

The bird of prey with its open wing doors has an Everose Gold exterior finish and features a wind tunnel tested body kit. Starting at the front there is a new front bumper fascia with LED lights and enlarged air inlets. Carbon fiber hood allows hot air to escape while the fender flairs provide an extra 60mm on each front side and 70mm on each rear side. Side skirts, rear bumper fascia with diffuser and carbon fiber wing round out the body kit.

Performance of the already potent 6.2-liter V8 engine is enhanced with high-performance titanium exhaust manifolds and sports catalysts while a sports air filter is used on the intake side. In concert with a remapped engine control unit, power output is raised to 636 PS (628 bhp / 468 kW) from the standard 571 PS (420 kW / 563 hp) for a 0 to 100 km/h sprint in 3.6 seconds and a top speed of 320 km/h (199 mph).

The coilover kit with four height-adjustable dampers and four progressively wound springs lower the center of gravity by up to 30 millimeters. Wheels are Hamann's own lightweight forged wheels in 9Jx21 with tires measuring 245/30 ZR 21 at the front and 12.5Jx21 with tires measuring 345/25 ZR 21 at the rear.

HPE700 Camaro Convertible by Hennessey

Hennessey Performance has unveiled the first details about the 2011 HPE700 Camaro Convertible.

Like the previous HPE700 coupe, the convertible features a 'CarbonAero' body kit (which includes a front splitter, a rear diffuser and revised side skirts), a painted hockey stick side strip, and 20-inch alloy wheels with Pirelli P-Zero tires.

Power comes from a Corvette ZR1-sourced LS9 engine which has been outfitted with cold air induction system, upgraded pulleys, and high-flow fuel injectors. Thanks to these modifications, the 6.2-liter V8 produces 755 hp (563 kW / 765 PS) and 763 lb-ft (1,033 Nm) of torque - an increase of 117 hp (87 kW / 119 PS) and 159 lb-ft (215 Nm). This enables the coupe (convertible figures are still pending) to accelerate from 0-60 mph in 3.3 seconds and run the quarter mile in 10.9 seconds at 130 mph.

To ensure the chassis can handle the added power, engineers installed an adjustable coil-over suspension, upgraded sway bars and a Brembo braking system with 15-inch rotors.

Available as a coupe or convertible, HPE700 production will be limited to 24 units.

Audi R8 Spyder 5.2 FSI quattro (2011)

Audi R8 Spyder 5.2 FSI quattro (2011)

The rear side panels and the large cover over the storage compartment for the cloth top are made of a carbon fiber composite. Unlike the Coupé, the Audi R8 Spyder has classic air intakes behind the doors. Two distinctive silver cowls, into which the large air intake openings are integrated, give the long back a powerful profile.

Its lines offer a unique interpretation of the dynamics and emotion of a high-performance sports car. The Audi R8 Spyder 5.2 FSI quattro captivates from the very first glance. The Audi R8 Spyder 5.2 FSI quattro features a fascinating package of technologies, including the Audi Space Frame (ASF) made of aluminum and carbon fiber composite, quattro permanent all-wheel drive, LED headlights and the innovative seatbelt microphone. The 386 kW (525 hp) V10 engine accelerates the high-performance sports car with the lightweight cloth top to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 4.1 seconds on its way to a top speed of 313 km/h (194.49 mph). Fascination taken to a new level of intensity: The Audi R8 Spyder 5.2 FSI quattro combines breathtaking performance with the experience of open-top driving.